{"product_id":"vintage-yoruba-ogboni-bronze-ceremonial-axe-female-figure-handle-nigeria-18","title":"Vintage Yoruba Ogboni Bronze Ceremonial Axe Male Figure Handle Nigeria 18\"","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA vintage Yoruba Ogboni bronze ceremonial axe from Nigeria, 18 inches long. The handle is cast as a male figure with his hands held to his torso. He has large, bulging eyes, pointed ears and lined marks on his face and chin, and wears a tall, ringed conical headdress. Below the figure, the round shaft has a rope-twist band and ends in a square collar riveted to the blade, with small punched ring and scroll marks on the collar. The wide, single-edged blade is pierced with a straight cross, an angled cross and two slots, and has a curled loop on its back edge. The bronze has a warm golden-brown tone, with darker patina in the recesses. It makes a strong display piece on a shelf, console or wall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBackground\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Ogboni, also called Osugbo, is a Yoruba society of senior men and women in southwestern Nigeria. It has long acted as a council and court, upholding the laws of the Earth, and was known for its cast brass and bronze objects, such as paired edan staffs and figures. Figures on Ogboni pieces often have large, bulging eyes, which signal watchfulness and authority. This piece is unmarked. The handle and the blade are both bronze, joined by a riveted collar. It is a ceremonial piece, not a working blade. The stand shown in some photos is not included.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCondition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGood vintage condition, and the handle and blade are firmly joined. There are light scratches and surface wear on the blade, and an even aged patina throughout. Please see all photos.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDimensions \u0026amp; Weight\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe axe measures 18.0 x 3.8 x 1.0 inches (H x W x D) and weighs about 1 lb 9.5 oz.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eShipping\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFree standard shipping within the US, packed securely.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Belle Afrik Arts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":60393975382302,"sku":"BA-1520","price":250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1081\/5176\/7326\/files\/WhatsAppImage2026-10-20at23.38.45_2.jpg?v=1792557240","url":"https:\/\/belleafrikarts.com\/products\/vintage-yoruba-ogboni-bronze-ceremonial-axe-female-figure-handle-nigeria-18","provider":"Belle Afrik Arts","version":"1.0","type":"link"}